hywel

Hywel is a Welsh masculine given name that corresponds to the English names Howell or Howel. It has long-standing use in Wales and among Welsh-speaking communities, and it also survives as a surname in its anglicized forms, such as Howell and Howells.

The name is generally linked to the Welsh word hywel, meaning eminent, notable, or excellent. The precise sense is debated, but the element is commonly understood to signify distinction or leadership and has given the name its connotation of prestige within Welsh culture.

Hywel Dda, known as Hywel the Good, was a 10th-century king of Deheubarth in southwestern Wales who is famed for codifying Welsh law. The given name Hywel appears in medieval Welsh genealogies and chronicles, borne by several rulers and saints, contributing to its enduring prestige in Welsh history and literature.

In modern times, Hywel remains a relatively common given name in Wales. Its spelling has produced anglicized surnames such as Howell and Howells, which have spread with Welsh emigration and diaspora. The name continues to be encountered in Welsh-language media, academia, and public life, reflecting its historical roots and ongoing use in Welsh communities.